The following is a story from a camping trip that some of my buddies and I took last Spring Break. I’m going to tell the story as a series of facebook messages between my friend and the lady we met there. The following story isn’t short, but I would claim it was one of the coolest stories of my life. In order to spark your interest I’ll say it’s a story about how Mary’s life was in danger and how God went to wonderful measures to show her HIS hope.
I tell this story not to bring glory to myself or my friends. Rather I tell this story to bring glory to God. So please give the glory to Him. I do have to say though, as a guy, I loved the opportunity to strap up my back pack and run up a cliff in the middle of the night to help a lady in trouble.
The following events starts with a facebook message from Mary after Walker and her became friends:
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"I didn't know anybody's name when the ambulance took me. You were all so amazing. I've been touched deeply by you and your friend. There will never be enough words for me to thank you guys for your help up there. You really are amazing. Many, many, many thanks."
"I didn't know anybody's name when the ambulance took me. You were all so amazing. I've been touched deeply by you and your friend. There will never be enough words for me to thank you guys for your help up there. You really are amazing. Many, many, many thanks."
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After this response from Mary, Walker decided to tell her the story of the whole day and all the events leading up to that crazy night. God really did have a cool plan. This is what Walker wrote:
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"Dear Mary,
First off, I’d like to say what a relief it is to hear you are okay. I have not heard anything about you since you left in the ambulance.
Here is the story of the day before the night on Yellow rock.
About 18 of my good friends (9 guys and 9 girls) and I decided to travel from College Station, TX to Devil’s Den State Park in Arkansas. Early this particular morning, Ryan (the other guy I was with) and I decided to go with another friend and spend some quiet time on top of Yellow rock. We figured it would be fun to throw the trails aside and bushwhack our way to the top.
Leaving our remote campsite, we quickly came to the river. We, for some reason, decided to build a walkway because there was not an easy crossing. We took off our shoes, rolled up our jeans and spent the next 30 minutes building a foot bridge. Not a single stepping place was wet and absolutely no rocks wobbled. There was no jumping from step to step, just a simple walk across a quick current rapid.
We dried up a little bit, put our shoes back on and made our way up the mountain. We were lost for a little ways, but then we figured out the quickest way up to the base of the cliff. Once we got there we walked around to the left until we saw a few possible ways up that would require some climbing. The route we 1st took was a narrow crevice which had a snake in it. We decided to look for another route and found a safer way to the top next to this crevice.
When we finally made it to the top, we just sat there for awhile and took in the beauty of the view. Eventually, we saw some friends that were heading up the mountainside and we were able to guide them up properly from the top.
The group spent about 45 min to an hour up there before leaving. If you look at my profile pic, you will see a picture someone took (unplanned) that day of me and Ryan spending time just talking. When everyone had left, me and Ryan set up hammocks up there and spent another hour or two just relaxing, reading, and in good conversations. We started to get hungry so we headed back to camp.
All week, the guys had been planning a 20-mile overnight backpacking trip. We were all very excited about it. Ryan, our friend Jeff, and I talked about it and decided it would be good for us three to stay behind with the girls to make sure they were safe. We all wanted to go [I have to correct him here. I had absolutely no desire to go. I was just fine passing on a 20 mile hike that day and lounging in my hammock instead.], but us 3 felt this was more important. We three guys spent the rest of the day napping and relaxing in our campsite. We didn’t do any extraneous activities for the rest of the day.
We stayed up till about 12 with the girls around the campfire telling stories and sharing good times. I stayed up a little later to watch the fire as everyone began to settle into bed. At 12:15AM, we heard your calls. At first, we could not make out what it was, but I was trying to keep everyone calm. At first I thought it was just some sort of animal call, but then it was clear. I instantly grabbed my day pack, 2 waters, my first aid kit, my phone and a pair of socks. Ryan grabbed some food, water and his phone. Jeff was having back problems and volunteered to stay with the girls. We said a quick prayer for safety and swiftness and we were off.
We had our headlamps on and were sprinting in your direction. We were running full speed, got to the river, quickly crossed our bridge and made our way up the mountain. We knew how to quickly get up to the top and we made it from our camp to the top of the mountain in about 11 or 12 minutes, a task that took us 30-35 minutes when we had attempted it earlier that day.
When I finally could get your name and your condition, I yelled back to my friends for help. They said they had gone to the static camps (park and camp) but could still hear me clearly say “GUYS, HER NAME IS MARY. SHE HIT HER HEAD. CALL 9-1-1! NOW!” They were able to get through immediately and get the attention of other people.
While I was trying to aid you, Ryan was able to call 9-1-1 from the top of the mountain. Other people (a guy named Ben and park officials) were on their way. Ryan was able to give them clear directions on the quickest route to the top. From there, our part was done.
When we had finally returned to our camp, we sat up talking for a little while.
When Ryan and I look back on that day, we still believe our God had been preparing us all day for that night. Our campsite was the closest one to the cliff. We had spent time building a bridge that allowed us to cross without danger of falling in. We spent that afternoon resting and were physically and mentally ready for that night. We had spent time figuring out the best route through the boulder field. We found the safest/quickest way from the base of the cliff to the top. We were running the whole way and never tripped or fell. Our friends could clearly hear me from the base of the cliff. Ryan, Jeff and I stayed back from our trip which allowed two to go up and one to stay and protect the girls. Ryan had practice in navigating people up the side the most efficient way possible. Me and Ryan had spent quality time and had even prayed on that rock earlier that day. Now you can very well chalk this up to pure luck or a coincidence, but I beg you to realize that these things were not just coincidence but the works of the One we call our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I will continue to pray for you and if you ever need prayer for something or have any questions concerning any of this, please don’t hesitate to let me know. Don’t look at me and Ryan as the ones that were able to aid you, because it was God that used us to help you. It was through Him it was all possible. Mary, you will remain in my prayers.
-Walker "
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After that story of the day, Mary responded with this:
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"I'm amazed (and so glad) you found me. No one could tell me the names of the individuals that first found me on the rock. I always wondered what happened to all of you. There is no way to provide thanks enough for everything you did. After an initial CT scan, they decided to keep me in the hospital for observation, but after a clear scan several days later, I was able to go home. You know, it was a bad time when I went up to the rock. I'd been unemployed, with no prospect for a job. I'd lost my entire biological family (for reasons I won't go into here), I was having to move out of a house I'd lived in for 7 years (and truly loved). I had a roommate that was stealing money and items from me, and I had just had to put my cat of 17 years to sleep due to cancer. I went up there to think, reflect, and find some hope. And hope came, in the most amazing way. Through you and your friends. The story you told me is touching, and makes me wonder if there really is a higher power up there at work. All I know is that when I needed help the most, when I was scared, terrified even, and a little mentally confused, you and your friends found me and helped me. I will never forget that. You now play an important and loving part in my history and in my narrative of the good of humankind. Peace be with you always,"
Take care,
Mary
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Also taking a spot in Walker's inbox that day was a letter from Mary's best friend. This is what it read:
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"Hi Walker. I am Mary's best friend, and she shared your story with me. It was amazing. I have great faith in God, and I already had a rescue team up there searching for her when you heard her calls. My husband and I were also there at the top. I just think God you were there to help the team find her. She is the most wonderful person, but without getting too personal about her life, she is a proclaimed atheist, and yet appreciated the entire story you sent her.
My mom and I went to church yesterday, and I had my class pray for her, and so did my mom. And, when we got home, she was sharing your story, which just gave me goosebumps after having prayers said for her. I believe God is working in her life, whether she realizes it or not. I think you and your group had a purpose there that you didn't realize. So touching and God was there.
I just think you so much for your wonderful efforts and beliefs. May God bless you."
Sandy
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After this response from Mary, Walker decided to tell her the story of the whole day and all the events leading up to that crazy night. God really did have a cool plan. This is what Walker wrote:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Dear Mary,
First off, I’d like to say what a relief it is to hear you are okay. I have not heard anything about you since you left in the ambulance.
Here is the story of the day before the night on Yellow rock.
About 18 of my good friends (9 guys and 9 girls) and I decided to travel from College Station, TX to Devil’s Den State Park in Arkansas. Early this particular morning, Ryan (the other guy I was with) and I decided to go with another friend and spend some quiet time on top of Yellow rock. We figured it would be fun to throw the trails aside and bushwhack our way to the top.
Leaving our remote campsite, we quickly came to the river. We, for some reason, decided to build a walkway because there was not an easy crossing. We took off our shoes, rolled up our jeans and spent the next 30 minutes building a foot bridge. Not a single stepping place was wet and absolutely no rocks wobbled. There was no jumping from step to step, just a simple walk across a quick current rapid.
We dried up a little bit, put our shoes back on and made our way up the mountain. We were lost for a little ways, but then we figured out the quickest way up to the base of the cliff. Once we got there we walked around to the left until we saw a few possible ways up that would require some climbing. The route we 1st took was a narrow crevice which had a snake in it. We decided to look for another route and found a safer way to the top next to this crevice.
When we finally made it to the top, we just sat there for awhile and took in the beauty of the view. Eventually, we saw some friends that were heading up the mountainside and we were able to guide them up properly from the top.
The group spent about 45 min to an hour up there before leaving. If you look at my profile pic, you will see a picture someone took (unplanned) that day of me and Ryan spending time just talking. When everyone had left, me and Ryan set up hammocks up there and spent another hour or two just relaxing, reading, and in good conversations. We started to get hungry so we headed back to camp.
All week, the guys had been planning a 20-mile overnight backpacking trip. We were all very excited about it. Ryan, our friend Jeff, and I talked about it and decided it would be good for us three to stay behind with the girls to make sure they were safe. We all wanted to go [I have to correct him here. I had absolutely no desire to go. I was just fine passing on a 20 mile hike that day and lounging in my hammock instead.], but us 3 felt this was more important. We three guys spent the rest of the day napping and relaxing in our campsite. We didn’t do any extraneous activities for the rest of the day.
We stayed up till about 12 with the girls around the campfire telling stories and sharing good times. I stayed up a little later to watch the fire as everyone began to settle into bed. At 12:15AM, we heard your calls. At first, we could not make out what it was, but I was trying to keep everyone calm. At first I thought it was just some sort of animal call, but then it was clear. I instantly grabbed my day pack, 2 waters, my first aid kit, my phone and a pair of socks. Ryan grabbed some food, water and his phone. Jeff was having back problems and volunteered to stay with the girls. We said a quick prayer for safety and swiftness and we were off.
We had our headlamps on and were sprinting in your direction. We were running full speed, got to the river, quickly crossed our bridge and made our way up the mountain. We knew how to quickly get up to the top and we made it from our camp to the top of the mountain in about 11 or 12 minutes, a task that took us 30-35 minutes when we had attempted it earlier that day.
When I finally could get your name and your condition, I yelled back to my friends for help. They said they had gone to the static camps (park and camp) but could still hear me clearly say “GUYS, HER NAME IS MARY. SHE HIT HER HEAD. CALL 9-1-1! NOW!” They were able to get through immediately and get the attention of other people.
While I was trying to aid you, Ryan was able to call 9-1-1 from the top of the mountain. Other people (a guy named Ben and park officials) were on their way. Ryan was able to give them clear directions on the quickest route to the top. From there, our part was done.
When we had finally returned to our camp, we sat up talking for a little while.
When Ryan and I look back on that day, we still believe our God had been preparing us all day for that night. Our campsite was the closest one to the cliff. We had spent time building a bridge that allowed us to cross without danger of falling in. We spent that afternoon resting and were physically and mentally ready for that night. We had spent time figuring out the best route through the boulder field. We found the safest/quickest way from the base of the cliff to the top. We were running the whole way and never tripped or fell. Our friends could clearly hear me from the base of the cliff. Ryan, Jeff and I stayed back from our trip which allowed two to go up and one to stay and protect the girls. Ryan had practice in navigating people up the side the most efficient way possible. Me and Ryan had spent quality time and had even prayed on that rock earlier that day. Now you can very well chalk this up to pure luck or a coincidence, but I beg you to realize that these things were not just coincidence but the works of the One we call our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I will continue to pray for you and if you ever need prayer for something or have any questions concerning any of this, please don’t hesitate to let me know. Don’t look at me and Ryan as the ones that were able to aid you, because it was God that used us to help you. It was through Him it was all possible. Mary, you will remain in my prayers.
-Walker "
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After that story of the day, Mary responded with this:
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"I'm amazed (and so glad) you found me. No one could tell me the names of the individuals that first found me on the rock. I always wondered what happened to all of you. There is no way to provide thanks enough for everything you did. After an initial CT scan, they decided to keep me in the hospital for observation, but after a clear scan several days later, I was able to go home. You know, it was a bad time when I went up to the rock. I'd been unemployed, with no prospect for a job. I'd lost my entire biological family (for reasons I won't go into here), I was having to move out of a house I'd lived in for 7 years (and truly loved). I had a roommate that was stealing money and items from me, and I had just had to put my cat of 17 years to sleep due to cancer. I went up there to think, reflect, and find some hope. And hope came, in the most amazing way. Through you and your friends. The story you told me is touching, and makes me wonder if there really is a higher power up there at work. All I know is that when I needed help the most, when I was scared, terrified even, and a little mentally confused, you and your friends found me and helped me. I will never forget that. You now play an important and loving part in my history and in my narrative of the good of humankind. Peace be with you always,"
Take care,
Mary
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Also taking a spot in Walker's inbox that day was a letter from Mary's best friend. This is what it read:
******************************************************************************
"Hi Walker. I am Mary's best friend, and she shared your story with me. It was amazing. I have great faith in God, and I already had a rescue team up there searching for her when you heard her calls. My husband and I were also there at the top. I just think God you were there to help the team find her. She is the most wonderful person, but without getting too personal about her life, she is a proclaimed atheist, and yet appreciated the entire story you sent her.
My mom and I went to church yesterday, and I had my class pray for her, and so did my mom. And, when we got home, she was sharing your story, which just gave me goosebumps after having prayers said for her. I believe God is working in her life, whether she realizes it or not. I think you and your group had a purpose there that you didn't realize. So touching and God was there.
I just think you so much for your wonderful efforts and beliefs. May God bless you."
Sandy
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To me, this is a beautiful story of God reaching out to people and it’s a cool illustration of the unconventional ways that he will sometimes use to make himself known.
Remember not to give up on people that don’t seem like they are anywhere close to God.
Remember that people are searching for hope and a purpose in life. God may give you the opportunity to share the source of your hope with that person.
Remember that God has a plan for us and He goes way ahead of us as He prepares us for His purposes. Although we learned this by what happened that day, this is a process that will continue to happen throughout our lives.
GLORY TO GOD
